Lieutenant Colonel Jason Retter is a native of Southwest Pennsylvania. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics and was a member of the men's rugby team.
Upon completion of The Basic School and Infantry Officer Course in June 2012, he reported to 2d Battalion, 2nd Marines (V22) in Camp LeJeune, NC. With V22, he deployed as a rifle platoon commander and Fire Support Team leader in support of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Black Sea Rotational Force (SPMAGTF-BSRF) in 2013. Following that deployment, he served as the 81MM Mortar Platoon Commander and deployed in support of the SPMAGTF-BSRF in 2015.
Lieutenant Colonel Retter then reported to Reconnaissance Training Company to attend the Basic Reconnaissance Course. Upon graduation, Lieutenant Colonel Retter reported to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion and deployed as the Force Reconnaissance Detachment Bravo, Officer in Charge in support of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). After returning from the MEU, he reported to School of Infantry-West, Reconnaissance Training Company (RTC) where he was the Operations Officer and then Commanding Officer.
Following his time at RTC, he reported to 2d Battalion, 5th Marines (V25) and took command of Company F. While with Fox Company he deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Task Force Southwest. Upon return from deployment, Lieutenant Colonel Retter relinquished command of Company F and acted at the BN Operations Officer before reporting to the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in May 2021. At USNA, Lieutenant Colonel Retter served two years as 24th Company Officer and one year as a leadership Instructor
Upon leaving USNA, Lieutenant Colonel Retter reported to the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He completed his PME and then reported to 2d Battalion, 4th Marines to serve as the BN Executive Officer in July 2025. In December of 2025, Lieutenant Colonel Retter transitioned from V24 to 5th Marine Regiment to assume his current duties as Regimental Executive Officer.
Lieutenant Colonel Retter's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (gold star and combat distinguishing device), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer School, Maneuver Captains Career Course, Naval Postgraduate School Master's Program (distinguished graduate), and the U.S. Naval War College.